Arm Lift Techniques

One of the biggest problem areas of the body for both women and men is the upper arms. Gaining weight, losing weight, genetics, and the natural aging process can cause fat and loose, hanging skin to accumulate in the upper arms. Unfortunately, diet and exercise cannot improve the appearance of loose, hanging skin. Fat that has accumulated on the upper arms is also quite difficult to nearly impossible to eliminate through exercise and diet. Many of our Missoula plastic surgery patients who have lost a substantial amount of weight are affected by excess fat and droopy skin on the upper arms. Loose, hanging skin on the upper arms keeps many patients from wearing short sleeves and sleeveless clothing. While the appearance of the upper arms can be a source of embarrassment for our patients, the appearance of loose, hanging skin, localized areas of fat, and weakened tissues of the arms can be improved through arm lift surgery.

Arm Lift Candidates: Am I a Good Candidate?

You are likely a good candidate for arm lift surgery if you are in good health, are of a normal weight, and suffer from loose, hanging skin and isolated areas of fat in the upper arms. Arm lift surgery significantly improves the appearance of the upper arms by removing excess skin and fat. After you undergo arm lift surgery, you can expect to achieve a more toned, proportionate appearance to your upper arms.

Arm Lift Techniques

Your individual needs and goals will determine which arm lift technique is used. The main goal of performing arm lift surgery is to restore a more toned, youthful, and proportionate appearance to the upper arms. Arm lift techniques include:

• Liposuction: Missoula arm lift patients who are at their ideal weight with minimal amounts of hanging skin, but are struggling with stubborn fat from the upper arms, may benefit from liposuction. At our plastic surgery practice in Missoula, liposuction is performed using a cannula (a thin tube-like device) to suction out fat cells from the upper arms. Liposuction may also be used in many areas of the body that are affected by stubborn isolated areas of fatty tissues including the abdomen, buttocks, and thighs. After undergoing liposuction, the skin of the upper arms will have a smoother and more toned appearance.
• Limited incision arm lift: Patients who do not qualify for liposuction alone or traditional arm lift surgery may benefit from limited incision arm lift surgery. Through this technique, the incision is limited to the underarm region. Fatty tissues are typically removed through liposuction and direct excision. Once this process has been completed, the skin is pulled taut and sutured back into place.
• Traditional arm lift: Excess fat and skin between the underarm and elbow are removed during traditional arm lift surgery. An incision is made on the underside of the upper arm, extending down to the elbow. Once this process has been completed, the skin is pulled taut and sutured close. Traditional arm lift may be used in conjunction with other body contouring procedures, such as a tummy tuck. The result of traditional arm lift is a more toned and defined contour to the upper arms.

Learn More about Arm Lift Techniques

To learn more about arm lift surgery and how it can benefit you, please contact North West Plastic Surgery Associates today. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have.